Amalfi Coast Road Trip
Enjoy this scenic tour along the Amalfi Coast
Embark on a journey along Italy’s most picturesque coastline with our Amalfi Coast road trip. Spread over four days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the picturesque towns and villages along the route and soak up ‘La Dolce Vita’ (the good life), relaxing on fine golden sandy beaches, swimming in the coastline’s crystal clear waters, and indulging in authentic Italian cuisine.
Route
Sorrento ➤ Positano ➤ Amalfi ➤ Ravello ➤ Salerno
Distance
51 miles / 2 hours
Travel duration
4 days
Highlights
Spiaggia Grande, Duomo di Amalfi, Castello di Arechi
Best time to travel
March to May or September to October
Insider tip: Avoid peak summer months to avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip.
Tolls
Expect tolls on motorways and expressways, including some sections along the Amalfi Coast.
Day 1 - Sorrento
Start your Amalfi Coast road trip in the scenic town of Sorrento. Nestled on the cliffs of the Gulf of Naples, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius and Naples while sampling some of the best authentic Italian cuisine. The colourful cobblestone streets are home to designer boutiques and quaint independent shops sure to keep the most ardent shoppers occupied. For history lovers, Pompeii is just a short train ride away and definitely worth a visit.
Sights along the way
- Pompeii: Just a 40-minute train ride away, explore the ruins of this Roman city which was frozen-in-time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79CE.
- Piazza Tasso: The focal point of the city, offering stunning views of the valleys below.
- Villa Comunale Park: Located in the town centre, this small park offers beautifully manicured gardens and one of the best views in southern Italy.
- Limonoro: A distillery known for producing the famous lemon liqueur Limoncello.
- Marina Grande: The harbour of a small fishing village, it boasts excellent restaurants and a great view of the sunset.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine
- Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano La Favorita
- Inn Bufalito
- Don Pedro
The best pizza
- Pizzeria da Franco
- Frankie’s Pizza Bar
- Ristorante Pizzeria Tasso
Day 2 - Positano
Day two of your road trip starts with a short half-hour drive to the Italian coastal village of Positano. Famed for offering the ‘La dolce vita’ its expansive beaches are perfect for rest or play with an array of watersports available. In the heart of town, winding paths and bougainvillea-draped stairways conceal everything from family-run trattorias serving authentic Italian cuisine to boutique shops and traditional leather makers.
Sights along the way
- Le Tese trail: Stretch your legs on this hiking trail that takes you from Positano to the Santa Maria del Castello and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast.
- Visit Music on the Rocks: Enjoy a night out in this impressive club in a cave. Open until the early hours of the morning and with regular events, it’s a great place to dance the night away.
- Take a boat tour: To experience the real beauty of this stunning coastline we recommend heading out onto the water. Hire a boat or join an excursion, either way you won’t be disappointed.
- Lungomare di Napoli: The waterfront promenade is perfect for long walks, best enjoyed with traditional Italian gelato.
- Fornillo Beach: If you’re looking to escape the crowds this is the perfect spot for enjoying a relaxing day at the beach.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine
- Casa E Bottega
- Benvenuti in Casa
- Capasanta Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
- Terraza Bosquet
The best pizza
- Ristorante da Constantino
- Lo Guarracino
- Da Ferdinando
- Chez Black
Day 3 - Amalfi and Ravello
Day three of our Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary takes you to not one but two beautiful Italian coastal towns. The first stop, Amalfi, dates back to Mediaeval times, so as well as impressive views of the coast, you can marvel at eclectic architecture and wonderful landmarks, like the Duomo and Cloister of Paradise. From here, you’ll move on to Ravello, a mountaintop village that offers spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and enchanting gardens and villas to explore.
Sights along the way
Amalfi
- Duomo di Amalfi: The impressive cathedral is the symbol of the city and is located in the heart of Amalfi.
- Cimentero Monumentale di Amalfi: This historic cemetery provides insight into the history and culture of the region, inviting visitors to explore impressive graves and monuments.
- Fontana De Cape e Ciucci: Built in the 18th Century for watering donkeys, since 1974, a characteristic nativity scene has been set up in the fountain.
Ravello
- Villa Rufolo: The villa of the same-named noble family offers one of the most beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast.
- Villa Cimbrone: One of the most prestigious hotels in Europe, it features a unique garden, brimming with exotic plants and breathtaking views of the coast.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine
- Bistrot Fratelli Cannavacciuolo
- Roc Pizza und Steak
- Bella Vista sul mare
- La Terrazza di Guiliana
The best pizza
- Trammiere
- Pizzeria da Enzo & Bruno
- Da Nonno Alfonso
- Ristorante Vittoria
Day 4 - Salerno
Enjoy scenic coastal views on the final day of your trip as you journey from Ravello to Salerno. Less well-known than many towns on this trip, Salerno offers you the chance to experience an authentic Italian port city. With fewer tourists, it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the last day of your Amalfi Coast holiday, whether that’s taking a stroll along the promenade, exploring the old town or viewing the impressive Salerno Cathedral.
Sights along the way
- Centro Storico: The historic old town of Salerno offers authentic Italian charm with narrow streets with laundry hanging from windows.
- Giardino della Minverva: A romantic herb garden in the heart of the old town.
- Lungomare di Napoli: The promenade promises you an unforgettable stroll with spectacular panoramas of the sea, Mount Vesuvius, and the island of Capri.
- The Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Salerno: This museum boasts a huge collection of archaeological finds unearthed in the area from the beginning of the prehistoric period through to the late Roman era.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine
- L’Albero Dei Visconti
- Tavernetta Colauri
- Papilla Felix
The best pizza
- Pizzeria Augusteo
- Pizzeria Errico Porzio Salerno
- La Rua Pizze E Delizie
Useful tips for your road trip along the Amalfi Coast
To ensure you are well-prepared for your road trip along the Amalfi Coast Italy, we have put together a packing list for you.
Clothing:
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jackets or jumpers for cooler evenings
- Swimwear
- Flip flops or water shoes
- Sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking
- Sun hat or cap
Camping equipment:
- Tent or motorhome accessories
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
- Camping chair and table
- Torch and extra batteries
- Camping stove, lighter, and gas
- Cool box
Other important items:
- Power bank
- Sat Nav/Map
- Water bottle
- Games and books
Italy enforces strict traffic rules that both locals and tourists must adhere to. Here is a list of the most important rules to be aware of when planning your Amalfi Coast road trip itinerary:
Speed limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h
- Rural areas: 90 km/h
- Highways: 110 km/h
- Motorways: 130 km/h
Alcohol limit:
- Drivers under 21 years old and beginners: 0.0 per mille
- For all other drivers: 0.5 per mille
Parking:
- Blue lines: Parking is allowed only with a parking meter or parking ticket.
- White lines: Free parking, often with time limits.
- Yellow lines: Resident parking only.
Additional tips:
- Horn honking is common in Italy. Try not to let it unsettle you; often, it’s used as a warning before overtaking.
- Roads in Italy are often narrow, especially the Amalfitana. So, it’s better to drive a bit slower than you usually would.
There are some important rules to follow during your camping vacation along the Amalfi Coast Italy:
- Wild camping: Wild camping is prohibited and punishable by hefty fines. It’s best to plan where you want to camp for the night using our roadsurfer spots app.
- Quiet hours: Most campsites have fixed quiet hours, often from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM so be sure to adhere to these.
- Fires and barbecues: If you fancy a barbecue, make sure to check if your campsite offers a designated grill or fire pit. Open fires are usually prohibited due to the risk of fire and are only allowed at designated areas.